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2025 Princecraft Sportfisher 21-4S

Boat Reviews

Boat Review by: Rick Layzell

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Drawing on the immense success of their Vectra pontoon series, Princecraft has redesigned their Sportfisher models with the addition of many of the Vectra’s popular features while adding even more fishing amenities. What we have here is a home run of a fishing-focused pontoon package.

Making a point to admire the exterior design upgrades, I immediately noted the new 45 degree front corner fencing. This was recently introduced in Vectra to great success and the look is superb. The new Sportfisher takes those angles and applies them to the fence rails, creating a continuous flow along the side of the boat. Our test boat was dressed in base black with the optional Onyx White Edition. This adds deluxe black chrome Princecraft logos on both sides, and the front door, as well as Onyx White exterior color accents. This package also adds beautiful front corner caps that incorporate docking lights.

Looking to her interior, she has an open and spacious bow section, a sleek and functional mid section, and a fishing-focused stern.

Up in the bow, we are greeted with a pair of fishing seats that are comfortable and functional. Three rod holders are mounted on the port side, which is where we find the newly expanded livewell coming in at 35% larger than the previous model. The bow door is half height fencing with cargo netting on the bottom, allowing the optional trolling motor to rest here while underway or be readily deployed when you have arrived at your fishing grounds. There storage locker on the starboard side, and the port side livewell, incorporate beverage holders and a functional table top.

The Sportfisher helm is rotomoulded and outfitted with sensible amenities. It starts with a wide and comfortable helm seat that easily slides and swivels. The stylish multi-spoke wheel features tilt steering. Lighted toggle switches rest at your fingertips, and the Jensen sound system is based here as well. Gauges are well positioned and there is plenty of room to add your choice of electronics. We were treated to the optional Humminbird Helix 5. There was plenty of legroom for my 6’1” frame and an interior door on the console base paves the way to additional storage capacity under the helm.

In the mid cockpit section, we find a massive and comfortable L-shaped lounger. I could easily envision an afternoon with a great book, or afternoon snacks with friends at the dinette table.

The double door – yup, that’s a new feature – on the stern is fishing-focused, with a pair of fishing seats (a total of 4 fishing seats in the boat are standard). The center mounted livewell is 27% larger than previous designs and incorporates tool holders, rod holders, cup holders, a fish ruler, and more. Another rod holder for 3 rods rests beside the port side fishing seat.

The standout fishing feature here is a starboard side-mounted, lockable rod locker for up to 4 fishing rods of up to 7’ length. This clever design uses available interior space to deliver a great secure solution for safely protecting your gear.

While fishing is understandably the focus of the Sportfisher series, the kids and friends that like to swim and play haven’t been forgotten either. A base is center-mounted that will accept your choice of ski pole to take the kids for a ski, and the telescoping reboarding ladder gets them back on board with ease.

An easy-to-use dark grey or black bimini top is standard when it’s time for a break from the sun. It’s worth noting Princecraft factory installs snaps on all their models, so you can easily add a mooring cover of full camper enclosure when the time is right.

The Sportfisher 21’ models – there are three unique layouts in the 21’ lineup – offers your choice of 90 to 150 HP. Our test boat was smartly equipped with a Mercury 115 Pro XS with their ‘CT’ feature, which stands for Command Thrust. Your key gains of CT are a larger gearcase which comes straight from their 150 model, and larger diameter prop which together produces better acceleration, more lift, and increased maneuverability.

As we prepped the boat for holeshot testing, I was somewhat skeptical and shared with our camera guru that I expected 5 second results. Command Thrust was determined to prove me wrong, though, as this powerful combination was consistently up and on plane in 3.6 seconds. I love that I never stop learning. We moved on to playing with cruising speeds and testing wide open results and this is where my guesses did prove accurate. The Sportfisher settles in for cruising in the high teens to low 20’s, we preferred 20 and 24 MPH at 4,700 and 5,500 RPM respectively. Final top end results showed us a respectable 27 MPH and an even 6,000 RPM. Keep in mind that test results will vary based on weather, gear, and total load on your boat.

It's wonderful to witness a Canadian boat brand with the legacy and history that Princecraft hold continuing to evolve to meet consumer demands. The redesigned and re-envisioned Sportfisher series will hit the mark for man. There’s no doubt it will be making memories for friends and family in comfort and style for years to come.

*Test boat has optional features. Please contact your local Princecraft dealer for details.